World’s first dual-fuel methanol-powered boxship vessel is underwayWorld’s first dual-fuel methanol-powered boxship vessel is underway

China’s Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard and Maersk have entered into a contract for retrofitting an existing containership of Maersk to a dual-fuel methanol-powered vessel.

Maersk has also signed an agreement with MAN Energy Solutions which will retrofit the engine.

According to Maersk, the first engine retrofit in the industry is scheduled to be conducted mid 2024 and it is the intent to replicate on sister vessels when going for a special survey in 2027.

Maersk have set an ambitious net-zero emissions target for 2040 across the entire business and have taken a leading role in decarbonising logistics. Retrofitting of engines to run on methanol is an important lever in the company’s strategy. With this initiative, Maersk wishes to pave the way for future scalable retrofit programs in the industry and thereby accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to green fuels. 

Xinya is one of the top private shipyards in China can provide cutting-edge LNG carrier repair and conversion service. The deal inked with Maersk for methanol dual fuel retrofit of the vessel will further strengthen cooperation between the two parties, said Han Jun, deputy mayor of Zhoushan City.